When you visit Seattle, Washington  you'll discover there are many amazing things to do and see throughout the area. On their recent visit, Rita and Bob Swieczkowski, found this is a city where the extraordinary is commonplace.

The first morning started by visiting Pike's Market. What an impressive Market; everything from food to flowers to crafts. Lots to sample and even more to buy. Couldn't resist taking a picture of the beautiful hanging peppers. Pike Place Market has a rich and colorful history. On opening day in August of 1907 over 10,000 eager shoppers gathered at the Marketplace to buy produce from the eight farmers who arrived in their wagons. To everyone's surprise, everything was sold out by 11 am.

A century later, Pike Place Market is internationally recognized as America's premier farmers' market and is home to nearly 200 year-round commercial businesses; 190 craftspeople and 120 farmers who rent table space by the day; 240 street performers and musicians; and 300 apartment units, most of which house low-income elderly people. "The Market," as the locals affectionately say, attracts 10 million visitors a year, making it one of Washington's most frequently visited destinations.

Winter, spring, summer and fall, the Pike Place Market, located at 1531 Western Ave, is open seven days a week, closing only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Parking in and near the Market can be filled early on busy summer days. So, if you're coming to the Market for Centennial events this summer, consider coming early in the day. Better yet, leave the car at home and travel by bus (plan your trip with Metro). Another suggestion is to park near the Seattle Center and ride the Monorail downtown.

Did You Know?

Seattle, Washington is rated one of top-10 favorite cities to visit by travelers,

We also took a guided tour of “Boeing Future Flight”. Although planes are not on the top of my priorities, it was very interesting and informative seeing everything up close. We also found another building close by that was reconditioning old planes. All done by volunteers. It was quite an operation with many very old planes (some were used in war time) being restored. The volunteers were more than willing to explain what they were doing and added history about the plane being worked on.

Part of our last day in Seattle, we put ourselves to work – picking blackberries. Lucky for us it was the prime season. They were growing everywhere, even hanging over the sidewalks. This called for fresh blackberry pie, which was delicious.  Yummmmmm!

Plan Your Trip

To learn more about Washington getaway options, view festival and events schedules, as well as local attractions and sites to explore visit http://www.experiencewashington.com.